JSU Johnson of old simply dazzling

Photo: JSU wide receiver Jaymar Johnson checks his back after returning a punt for a 75-yard touchdown to make the score 13-0 with 3:14 left in the first quarter.

By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger

Jackson State senior Jaymar Johnson was supposed to be the Tigers' premier playmaker this season, with the speed to be both a primary receiver and the main return specialist.

But through two games, both losses, Johnson was mostly a non-factor, catching two passes for 47 yards and failing to break any big gains on special teams.

That all changed during the first quarter of Thursday night's game against Texas Southern, with Johnson involved in three huge plays to spark the Tigers' offense.

First, he caught a 44-yard pass on a third-and-31 situation to keep a touchdown drive alive. Quarterback Jimmy Oliver found Johnson in stride over the middle of the field and the JSU offense finally had the big play it craved.

"That reminded me of the old days last year with the Jimmy-to-Jaymar connection," Johnson said with a grin. "He put that pass right where it needed to be."

Johnson's second big play was a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown to give the Tigers a 14-0 lead. He caught the ball on JSU's 25-yard line and was barely touched as he sprinted down the sideline on his way to six points.

"That's great to see because that punt return unit is my baby," said JSU coach Rick Comegy, who is heavily involved in special teams. "We did a good job blocking and then Jaymar has more than enough speed to get the job done from his end."

"There's no better feeling for a quarterback than to see seven points go on the board without you having to move," Oliver said. "That really put us in a good position."

And finally, Johnson ended his superb first quarter with a 24-yard touchdown reception from Oliver to give JSU the 21-0 lead.

When it was all over, Johnson had 143 total yards before the second quarter began. He finished the game with 201.

"We know when Jaymar touches the ball, he's capable of anything. Tonight he proved it," Comegy said.